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La Palma council unanimously appoints Peter Kim as city manager
Summary
The La Palma City Council unanimously appointed longtime resident Peter Kim as city manager, setting an annual salary of $245,000 and an effective start date of Oct. 27, 2025; the council said the appointment produces about $24,000 in net savings compared with the prior agreement.
The La Palma City Council voted unanimously to appoint Peter Kim as the city—s next city manager, approving a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an employment agreement and amending the city salary schedule. The appointment takes effect Oct. 27, 2025, and sets an annual salary of $245,000.
City Attorney Ajit Tend outlined the recruitment process for the position, saying the city received 87 applications and conducted multiple closed-session interviews and an ad hoc subcommittee review to narrow finalists. Tend told the council the proposed agreement includes cost-of-living adjustments consistent with other unrepresented management employees, eligibility for benefits, a car allowance and a contribution to a 457 account; he said the net effect represents roughly $24,000 in savings to the city compared with the previous agreement.
During public comment, Gerard praised Kim—s prior public service and urged the council to support the appointment. "I served with Peter for all eight years, 2012 to 2020, and I know he's a quality person," Gerard said.
Peter Kim, who the staff report described as a longtime La Palma resident who graduated from Walker Junior High and Kennedy High Schools and who has held roles with the California State Board of Equalization and other state agencies, thanked the council and introduced family members in the audience. "I'm incredibly grateful and humbled for your appointment to serve as La Palma City Manager," Kim said, adding that he looked forward to "partnering with the city council, working alongside this amazing and professional city staff."
The motion to appoint was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel and seconded by Council Member Janet Keogh Conklin; all present councilmembers voted yes. Kim—s installation concludes a recruitment that city staff said involved an interim manager and an executive search by Ralph Anderson and Associates.
Kim will assume the duties on Oct. 27, 2025, and the council adopted the related resolutions authorizing the mayor to execute the employment agreement and updating the salary schedule.
